Social Studies Teacher I - Lookout Mountain Youth Services Center

You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times. 

This position exists to provide classroom instruction in the assigned content with embedded workforce and career related skills aligned to science, math, and/or literacy emphasis with project-based units and engaging lessons. Instructional planning uses CDE state standards and prepared graduate outcomes while also adhering to district initiatives and Social Emotional Learning topics to committed youth in secondary and post secondary tracks in a safe and trauma informed environment. The teacher takes responsibility for knowledge of current state standards in the area of assigned content as well as workforce readiness skills and outcomes, the appropriate use of technology for teaching and learning, and other related subjects including best practice and research in pedagogy and prosocial youthdevelopment. The instructor takes responsibility for having an active and appropriate CDE license. Duties in this position include: 

• Establish and maintain an appropriate classroom setting through:
  - the use of effective classroom management skills and accountability measures
  - identified trauma-responsive strategies and practices
  - engagement strategies specific to student need and aligns with district initiatives and expectations
  - curriculum that is age appropriate and content appropriate and aligns with district initiatives and expectations
  - student-centered classroom activities and project-based learning opportunities
  - using curricular resources as required
• Assess new and continuing students—both post-secondary and secondary--using multiple assessment methods and collecting multiple pieces of evidence of learning while assuring evidence is documented per DYS education standards
•  Prepare daily lesson plans and short-term unit lesson plans that are aligned with state standards and/or industry standards with the critical skills needed; design and implement a tracking mechanism for evaluating student progress that correlates to standards-based education and with appropriate rigor for grade level
• Use effective accommodations as required for special education students or youth on MTSS plans while also communicating growth and data needed for progress monitoring. Implements a variety of research-based education strategies (including technology) to accommodate multi-age/multi-level students
• Follow the DYS instructional framework with clear daily learning objectives and relevant learning content with appropriate assessments while meeting the needs of all youth
• Ensure educational records are in IC and/or Trails, shared for facility purposes, updated as required and using DYS frameworks. Select behavior and classroom
  management techniques to apply within the framework of DYS and use these skills for subbing or guest teaching in other classrooms as required
• Use the technology appropriate and as expected to design, upload information and unit and lessons while taking attendance daily and grading work appropriately
• May be assigned different or multiple content area based on youth and school need
•  Planning classroom lessons and units will require short and long term goals for individual youth and classroom content

Meetings, Professional Development, and Progress Monitoring: 

• Meet informally and in scheduled meetings with the Central Education Office members, principal, security team, treatment providers and other teachers to review student and school progress, both academically and in regards to social emotional growth and career readiness. Develop comprehensive unit plans, course plans, syllabi, and individual youth learning plans for implementation of the assigned subject matter in line with the education goals and in alignment with school development plans and quality standards
• Participate in professional and staff safety development and apply learning accordingly while also supporting YCTO practices for other team members
• Assure appropriate boundaries and effective presentation in the classroom and workplace. Use data effectively and with MTSS processes, IEP goals, and behavioral goals, create MTSS and other responsive plans to include progress monitoring
• Participate as an effective educational advocate and team member and serve as needed in site-based meetings and multidisciplinary team meetings (MDT) and committees
• Completes monthly reviews of content to principal during required supervision and check ins and uploading all documents as required electronically
  
  

Supportive to Culture, Climate and Safety of the Facility:  

• Assist in the safety and security of the school and facility by supervising residents, tools, and materials effectively and providing immediate assistance as necessary within the facility
• Consistently knowing and following policy and procedures of the Division of Youth Services and the facility as well as safety procedures for classrooms and youth.
  Adhere to the trauma-informed culture and expectations within the classroom and as a professional colleague
• Know and use Motivational Interviewing, PBIS, and Sanctuary Model to include small group processes and Restorative
  Justice language and frameworks; follow expectations for IRs
• Adhere to Code of Conduct and professional norms of behavior for the workplace
• Follow leave policy and procedures

Other Duties as Assigned: 

• Perform other related assignments as necessary such as, but not limited to, student staffing, onboarding others, entering data into Student Information System, problem solving technology, assisting with special events or opportunities, and substituting for teachers who are absent as needed. Working with facility staff and supporting
  facility safety ongoingly

Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
All Teaching Assignments:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to the work assignment.
AND
Current, valid Initial or Professional Teacher license issued by the Colorado Department of Education

Substitutions:

All Teaching Assignments:

Current, valid Interim Teacher license, or Temporary Educator Eligibility Authorization will substitute for the Colorado Initial or Professional Teacher license.

Academic Teaching Assignments only:

Current, valid Colorado Adult Basic Education Authorization, Initial Special Services, or Special Services license will substitute for the Colorado Initial or Professional Teacher license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with at-risk or adjudicated youth 
• Leadership experience
• Proficient use of assessment data to inform instructional practice
• Experience building a program
• Relevant years of state service

• Dual endorsements or documentation of ability to be Highly Qualified in multiple content areas

• Licensure aligned to position 

• Experience with differentiated instruction; developing lessons/curriculum and providing differentiated instruction

• Proficient use of data to inform instructional practice

• Secondary school experience 

• Trauma-Informed practices and knowledge as it applies to at risk populations and classroom instruction

• Project-based learning experience 

• Experience with special needs populations

Conditions of Employment:

• full background check and reference check required

• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.

• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:
  • Disclose that information on the application.
  • Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
  • Provide your employee number from your prior State employment.  Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.
    

CDHS Selection Process Explanation

• Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process 

• A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position.  You must complete the official State of Colorado online application.  Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

• You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process.  Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review 

• After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing. 

Your Work Experience/Job Duties

• Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.

• If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.  

Supplemental Questions 

• Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers  based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights:

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated.  You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.  

• You can find the official appeal form here. 

• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

  • By email ([email protected]), or

  • Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or 

  • Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or

  • Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At (303) 866-3300, or

•  Refer to the  Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

How to Apply

The Assessment Process

 

For additional recruiting questions, please contact [email protected]

About Us & Benefits

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans

• Medical and dental health plans

• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center

• Employee Wellness program

• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more

• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

• *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Our Values

• We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

• Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

• We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

• Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

• We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

• Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADA Accommodations

• CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment. 

• This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].

EEO Statement: The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

• We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.  The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Support For Your Application: Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

• If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).  Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.